Milwaukee is chock full of things to do, but only a handful of Milwaukee events are worthy of the lofty honor of “Record Recommended” (patent pending). Here are our recommendations for August 10-16, 2026.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Wisconsin State Fair @ Wisconsin State Fair Park (through August 16)
The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair continues! For seven more days, hundreds of thousands of proud Wisconsinites will flock to the State Fair Grounds in West Allis to take in all the sights, sounds, and zany food the fest has to offer. Want to watch some racing pigs? The State Fair has you covered. Want to slide down the Giant Slide? The State Fair has you covered. Want to catch music or comedy from For King + Country, The Isley Brothers, The Commodores, John Mulaney, The All-American Rejects, Lindsey Stirling, and AJR (all playing the Bank Five Nine Main Stage this week and weekend)? The State Fair has you covered. Support the West Allis lawn parking economy! We love you, Wisconsin State Fair!
Dale Watson + Liv @ Shank Hall
“Dale Watson is a living legend of American roots music. With Texas-sized defiance and drive, he’s spent four decades flying the flag for his own brand of honky-tonk, outlaw country, western swing, and rockabilly. That signature sound has a name—”Ameripolitan”—and its originator is Watson himself: a singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, actor, cultural architect, and rule-breaking traditionalist for the modern world, championing the traditions that fly in the face of the homogenous mainstream.”
Musical Mondays: Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont ParTIs Band @ Lake Park Summer Stage
“Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band From Lafayette, Louisiana, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. carries forward the Grammy-winning legacy of his father, zydeco pioneer Stanley ‘Buckwheat’ Dural Sr. A dynamic multi-instrumentalist and bandleader, with his dad’s band, he has shared the stage with legends like Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, and Buddy Guy.”
Ghais Guevara + Student1, Wave Chapelle, William Crooks @ Cactus Club
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Chill On The Hill: Known Moons + Sleepersound, Andrew Vadin Project @ Humboldt Park
Beginning To End, the latest EP from top-shelf Milwaukee indie-rock group Known Moons, follows 2024’s flawless Everything Is. And yep, it’s another winner. Opener “Real Fangs” adds a little grit to the Known Moons mix, while songs like “TIME” and the title track play like instant classics. “Beginning To End” features Andrew James and company crystalizing their sparkling dream-pop with a gorgeous three-minute ode to getting off the floor and giving it another go. “When everything is beginning to end / Will you dust yourself off again / Or bury your head in the sand?” James sings.
Liontones + Spidora, D&D Music Factory @ Sabbatic
“This is the Milwaukee stop and kick-off show of the Crystal Ballistic Tour of Ricky Liontones. Local favorites Spidora and D&D Music Factory are melting faces in the night as well. Free but hit up that suggested donation box and send the Liontones crew with some gas money for their tour.”
Berens Bros. Comedy Hour @ The Laughing Tap
The Berens Bros.—consisting of Wisconsin humorist Charlie Berens and fellow comedian John Berens—bring their comedy hour back to The Laughing Tap. They’ll be joined at the newly relocated/reopened downtown Milwaukee comedy club by Chastity Washington and A.J. Grill, making the already compelling local stand up show into a Tuesday night no-brainer.
Riverwalk Commons Concert Series: Los Mitoteros @ Milwaukee Public Market
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Holy Wave + Astral Hand @ The Argo
“In Ensenada, Mexico, where the Pacific horizon cuts a clean, unwavering line, Holy Wave recorded their latest full-length, i’m DADA, a record that feels both expansive and newly concentrated for the subterranean pop four-piece. Stepping outside the United States was less a retreat than a shift in perspective, creating distance to recognize a new sound that had been slowly taking shape among them. i’m DADA quickly revealed its character: more propulsive, more candid, and their most structurally deliberate work to date.”
Washington Park Wednesdays: Los Mitoteros + The Hot Swing Trio @ Washington Park Bandshell
“Presenting CARNIVAL! A theatrical, spectacle-driven (and fan-favorite) celebration filled with vibrant color, movement, music, and festivity. Join us this week for an unforgettable evening in the park! Wednesday, Aug 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. FREE and open to all! LIVE MUSIC: Los Mitoteros (a psychedelic Latin street-party band known for theatrical spectacle and infectious rhythm), Hot Swing Trio (delivering vintage jazz dance and lively swing energy), Professor Pinkerton & Friends and Taylor Flows (theatrical performance and spoken word, circus sideshow acts, and vintage vaudeville charm.”
Wonderful Wednesdays: Jen & The Jellyfish @ Lake Park Summer Stage
Precocious Neophyte + PSPSPS, SSAANN, Maximiano @ MKeUltra
Heart(beats) Of The City: Los Mitoteros @ Red Arrow Park
Tosa Tonight @ Hart Park, Wauwatosa
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Milwaukee Irish Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park (through August 16)
“Milwaukee Irish Fest has come to be known as the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and Celtic culture, with an average attendance of 100,000. The success of the festival also depends on more than 4,000 dedicated volunteers. Each year, Milwaukee Irish Fest presents new themes, performers, cultural exhibits and special events at its annual festival. Known as a family friendly festival, it has been said that Irish Fest truly is a taste of Ireland. While the festival only lasts four days each year, the commitment to promote and preserve Irish culture throughout the year has earned Milwaukee Irish Fest national and worldwide acclaim.”
Alley Eyes (record release) + Hot Mess, Callback, Fakeout @ The Cooperage
Politics. Alcohol. Drugs. AI. Endless ads for low-testosterone pills. These are just some of the indignities that make up the miserable cocktail known as “life today.” And they’re also some of the things that pop up in “Punisher,” the latest (and aptly named) single from Milwaukee band Alley Eyes. The song follows 2025’s indie-sleaze collection Bondage In The Afternoon, and precedes a new release, Good Times, which will be celebrated at tonight’s show.
Phillip-Michael Scales @ Cactus Club
“Growing up, Phillip-Michael Scales had an uncle who played guitar for a living. He knew it was a big deal but didn’t understand the significance that his Uncle’s name was B.B. King. Even though Phillip-Michael played guitar, he shied away from soloing and most things blues. It wasn’t until his Uncle passed away that Scales began incorporating more of the blues into his music. ‘These days I’m finding more of my story in the blues. A lot has led me here between politics, my identity, and of course: Legacy.’ The result is a sound he calls ‘Dive Bar Soul’ which takes a bit of indie rock story telling and couples it with the passion of the blues.”
Under The Bridge: Long Mama @ Third Space Brewing
“Grab your friends and join us every Thursday night this June-August for Under the Bridge, a free weekly concert series set beneath the viaduct and summer sunsets at Third Space Brewing. Enjoy fresh beer straight from the source, unbeatable vibes in our outdoor beer garden, and a rotating lineup of incredible local artists. NO COVER!”
Five Finger Death Punch + Cody Jinks, Eva Under Fire @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
The Jesse Garwood Club + VLNTYN, Gypsum Sunflower, Ten Year Setback @ X-Ray Arcade
Cathedral Square Market @ Cathedral Square Park
Jazz In The Park: Deadelijk @ Cathedral Square Park
Lounj Acts: Mia Jima @ The Wicked Hop
Concerts On The Green: The People Brothers Band + Ben Mulwana @ Enderis Park
Edelweiss Concert Cruise Series: One Louder @ Milwaukee River, 205 W. Highland Ave.
Thursday Bike Nights: Trapper Schoepp (Tom Petty Tribute) @ Harley-Davidson Museum Campus
Tunes@Noon: Julia Graves @ Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Buffalo Nichols @ Cactus Club
Most articles you’ll find about Carl Nichols wrangle with definitions of the blues. Musicians and songwriters of this genre provided a framework that gave rise to most of modern popular music, yet any time a young artist wants to bring the blues into the cultural spotlight, people want to talk about authenticity, as if the style isn’t allowed to change. Fans from Nichols’ hometown of Milwaukee, however, already know him as a musical polymath. From his folk/Americana duo Nickel & Rose and going back further to his days as one of the city’s premier guitar shredders, his skills have always been versatile enough to fit any musical whim.
Modest Mouse + Califone @ The Riverside Theater
Legendary indie-rock band Modest Mouse is back on the road in support of the new An Eraser And A Maze. The record finds Isaac Brock and company going the truly independent route, after more than two decades on Epic Records. “For this one, I turned off my filter and just let it all happen,” Brock says. “Even though every goddamn musician says that when they put out a record. I mean, go ahead and listen to the three-minute mark of any interview between a musician and Terry Gross…”
The Verve Pipe + Edie Current @ The Argo
“The Verve Pipe has spent the better part of three decades in evolution, creating a sound that transcends genre and generation. It’s a sound rooted in pop hooks, alt-rock guitars, and the sharp songwriting of frontman Brian Vander Ark. A sound that’s taken the band from the golden days of late-’90s modern rock—when The Verve Pipe enjoyed multi-platinum success with hits like ‘Photograph,’ ‘Never Let You Down’ and the #1 single ‘The Freshmen’—to the rule-breaking creativity of the 2010s and beyond, an era that’s found the band reinventing itself with each release.”
Eric Bachmann @ Irving Place Records (sold out)
Dogs In A Pile + Modern Joey @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Gut Fest @ Estabrook Skate Park
Romantic Assassins + Genau, DJ Keso @ Falcon Nest
SUNFO + Blue Stoplights, I’ll Remember April, Mural Hall, Milby @ Sugar Maple
Deer District Summer Concert Series: Tim Wright @ The Deer Garden
Soulful Summer Music Series: The Mighty Ms. Erica & The Sound Production @ Gordon Park
Summer Sounds: Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers + Lakeview @ Cedar Creek Park, Cedarburg
Summerween Video Dance Party @ Mad Planet
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Tori Amos + Bartees Strange @ The Riverside Theater
“Since Tori Amos’ debut album Little Earthquakes in 1992, the North Carolina-born singer, pianist and songwriter has created a body of work defined by fearless storytelling and a singular musical voice. In Times of Dragons, Amos’ 18th album, continues this tradition, presenting a powerful journey of resilience and awakening where the pursuit of freedom meets forces that seek to control and silence. ‘In Times of Dragons is a metaphorical story about the fight for Democracy over Tyranny, reflecting the current abhorrent non accidental burning down of democracy in real time by the “Dictator believing Lizard Demons” in their usurpation of America.'”
Center Street Daze Festival @ Center Street
Center Street Daze Festival—which began way back in 1997 and is organized by the Riverwest Business Association—makes its triumphant return to Center Street (between Holton and Humboldt) this Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Riverwest thoroughfare will be abuzz with activity in the form of food and retail vendors, a “mannequin fashion show,” an Art Cart Race (scheduled the start at noon), and a Classic Car Show (1:30 p.m.). Of course, there will also be live music. Lots and lots of live music! Throughout Saturday afternoon/evening, Center Street Daze will feature a wide range of musicians and DJs playing at seven locations. That bursting lineup includes the likes of Jayke Orvis, Coo Coo Cal, Group Of The Altos, Whiskey & The Devil, Los Mitoteros, and many more. Check out the full lineup HERE.
The Championship + Lessons @ X-Ray Arcade
Formed in 2004, The Championship was one of the bright spots in Milwaukee music for much the aughts and a portion of the 2010s before the band’s production and live outings quietly yet considerably slowed as new musical endeavors and other real world distractions pulled focus from the project. We’re pleased to report The Championship (including some long-departed members) will return to the stage on tonight to play material from its four great records at X-Ray Arcade. Lessons, a new project featuring former members of The Promise Ring, Maritime, and Decibully, will open.
American Football + Afternoon Bike Ride @ Turner Hall Ballroom
Despite originating in not-all-that-far-away Urbana, Illinois, American Football hasn’t exactly frequented Milwaukee. In fact, we’re pretty sure the celebrated purveyors of math-rock-tinted Midwest emo has never performed in the city. That will change tonight when Mike Kinsella and company come to Turner Hall Ballroom to play songs from their new self-titled album and their three other (also self-titled) albums.
Rev & Rumble Boxing Night @ Davidson Park
“Don’t miss the second annual Rev & Rumble Boxing Night at Davidson Park! Experience Milwaukee’s toughest amateur boxers, plus food, merch, and nonstop action. Join us for a FREE, high-energy evening packed with top amateur boxing matches featuring fighters from across the Midwest.”
Pinkshift + Arcadia Grey, The Stinkeyes @ The Argo
Becca Murray & The Wildflowers + Oh Geeez Not Again, Ben Mulwana @ Anodyne Walker’s Point Roastery
Exitstatements + Graphics, Swim Two Birds @ MKeUltra
Summer Song Swap: Wylie Jakobs + Maximiano @ Bremen Cafe
Current Sounds: Ripley @ Lakefront Brewery
South Shore Farmers’ Market: Tom & Barb Webber with Fair Webber @ South Shore Park
Punk Rock Rummage Sale @ X-Ray Arcade
Endless Summer Drag Show @ Mad Planet
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Bryan Adams + Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo @ Fiserv Forum
“Due to overwhelming fan demand, rock icon Bryan Adams has announced a second U.S. leg of his highly successful Roll With The Punches Tour promoted by Live Nation. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will once again join Adams as special guests on all U.S. dates. With decades of chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and unforgettable live performances, Bryan Adams continues to deliver an arena-sized rock show that brings fans together night after night.”
CusCampbell @ The Cooperage
“CusCampbell is an award-winning R&B artist, trombonist, and singer-songwriter. He first gained national attention with a co-sign from Snoop Dogg during Peace Out 2020, a year-end special hosted by Keke Palmer and David Dobrik and produced by ATTN: for Facebook Watch. He was also featured in a viral TikTok campaign alongside Grammy-winning artist and composer Jon Batiste. Additional credits include recording with legendary producer Sha Money XL and performing for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the WNBA.”
Black Moon Lilith + Toast & The Croutons, Don & Friends Band @ Falcon Nest
Cafe Sopra Mare: Jack Grassel + Jill Jensen (Jazz) @ Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Current Sounds: Miles Benedict Patzer @ Lakefront Brewery
Milwaukee Makers Market @ Discovery World
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